Welcome Letter
Dear PTA Student,
Welcome to Penn State Hazleton’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program, Graduating Class of 2024. The Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) has accredited the program since 1983 and is scheduled for reaccreditation in 2026. The faculty and staff of the PTA Program have a student–centered approach and are committed to the quality of education we provide to our students. Our facility is maintained to contemporary standards. By choosing Penn State Hazleton’s PTA Program, you will become part of a large network of outstanding professionals that have graduated from the program.
As Program Coordinator and a member of the faculty for 30 years, I am always very excited to meet and welcome each new class. You are about to embark on a career as a vital member of the healthcare team, which offers many rewards. In your professional practice, your challenge will be to improve the quality of your patients’ lives and with that comes responsibility. You will need to become a life-long learner to further you expertise. We will develop a partnership with you and support you in successfully achieving your academic goals. This curriculum is challenging and asks for a commitment from you, the student, as well as the faculty.
Upon successful completion of this program, you will be a professional and to achieve that, you need to meet all the performance standards of the program. The faculty can guide you through this process, but you must be an active participant. We expect and account for professional behavior in addition to academic achievement. In New Student Orientation, you were provided with the link to the PTA Handbook. Please read the handbook thoroughly, it will assist in guiding you through the program.
Again, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Penn State Hazleton’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Through leadership, example, and partnership I wish to assist you in the earliest part of your career.
Best Wishes,
Rosemarie Petrilla, DPT
Teaching Professor
Physical Therapist Assistant Program Coordinator Penn State University, Hazleton Campus